Athletics: Newbies Shining On The Paris 2024 Paralympics Podium

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Paris 2024 was a landmark moment for many athletes with intellectual impairments, as numerous Paralympic newcomers not only experienced their debut but also climbed the podium in triumph. Competing in four events—T20 400m, T20 Long Jump, F20 Shot Put, and T20 1500m—80 athletes (33 men and 47 women) made their mark on the world stage. These athletes not only enjoyed their first Paralympic Games but some dazzled with extraordinary performances, cementing their status as champions. Let’s celebrate the unforgettable feats of these athletes who captured hearts and medals alike.

1. Aysel Önder (TUR) – Silver in Women’s T20 400m

Ayesal Önder at the Paralympic Paris 2024. Photo Credit: NPC Türkiye

Aysel Önder of Turkey set the track ablaze, becoming the first athlete from her country to compete in the T20 400m at the Paralympics. She broke the world record in the heats, eventually securing a silver in the finals. This was the crown on an already dazzling year—Önder also claimed gold at the 2024 Virtus World Indoor Athletics Championships and set a stunning world record in the 400m. From smashing records in Kobe to winning five golds in Uppsala, her meteoric rise culminated in Paris, where she left a lasting legacy for Turkish athletics.

2. Deepthi Jeevanji (IND) – Bronze in Women’s T20 400m

Deepthi Jeevanji at Paris 2024 (L) and her coach N. Ramesh being honoured by Telangana CM Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad. | Photo Credit: NPC India and The Hindu

Deepthi Jeevanji etched her name into history as India’s first Paralympian with an intellectual impairment. Her sensational bronze in the T20 400m, with a time of 55.82 seconds, was more than just a personal victory—it marked India’s first-ever Paralympic medal in this category. Having already won silver at the 2023 Virtus Global Games and gold at Kobe, Deepthi’s performance in Paris sparked national pride. The Telangana government recognized her feat with a generous reward, making her an inspiration to aspiring athletes in India, offering her Rs.1 crore, i.e., £89000 cash reward, a Group-II job, and 500 square yards of land in Warangal for Deepthi Jeevanji.

3. Yovanni Philippe (MRI) – Bronze in Men’s T20 400m

Yovanni Philippe on Paris 2024 (L); Yovanni and his coach Jean-Marie Bhugeerathee in a felicitation ceremony by the Malaysian government. Photo Credit: WPS and Lexpress mu.

Mauritius rejoiced as Yovanni Philippe earned the nation’s first-ever Paralympic medal with his bronze in the men’s 400m T20. Competing in his Paralympic debut, Yovanni had previously bagged bronze at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe.

The Minister of Sports of Malaysia, Stephan Toussaint, expressed his joy in following the athletes during the games, praising them as role models for the youth of Mauritius. He emphasized the importance of continuing their efforts towards winning gold in Los Angeles 2028. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth commended the athletes for making the nation proud, highlighting their courage, resilience, discipline, and determination. He gave special recognition to Yovanni Philippe for his historic achievement and acknowledged the other athletes for reaching seven finals. Yovanni was also awarded 1.5 Million Mauritian rupees, i.e., approximately £24000 by the Mauritian government for achieving this remarkable feat. The Prime Minister also praised the modern infrastructure at Côte-d’Or for its positive impact and awarded Rs 600,000 to the national coach, Jean-Marie Bhugeerathee, emphasizing the importance of good leadership.

4. Ben Sandilands (GBR) – Gold in Men’s T20 1500m

Photo Credit Pralaympcs GB.

At just 21 years old, Ben Sandilands from Scotland took the Paralympic stage by storm, breaking a long-standing world record in the Men’s 1500m T20. His gold medal performance, where he finished more than four seconds ahead of his competitors, solidified his place as one of Britain’s brightest athletic talents. Ben’s stellar debut continued Scotland’s tradition of dominance in this event, following in the footsteps of Owen Miller, Tokyo’s gold medalist.

5. Keyla Da Silva Barros (BRA) – Bronze in Women’s T20 1500m

Kayla celebrating her win at Paris 2024. Photo Credit: Virtus Sport and OIS Photos

Brazilian middle-distance runner Keyla Da Silva Barros proved that adversity can be the ultimate motivator. Overcoming injuries, she broke her own American record in the T20 1500m to claim bronze at the Paris 2024 Games, becoming the first Paralympic medalist from her home state of Piauí.

Although Keyla Da Silva Barros made her debut as an athlete at the Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, it wasn’t her first experience on the Paralympic stage. In the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, she served as a guide runner for fellow Brazilian Para athlete Edneusa de Jesus Santos Dorta. During her time as a guide, Keyla encountered challenges in understanding technical instructions and race strategies, which led her colleagues to suggest that she undergo a diagnosis for intellectual impairment. The diagnosis confirmed her eligibility for the T20 classification, and by 2023, Keyla was already competing under this classification.

6. Zileide Cassiano da Silva (BRA) – Silver in T20 Women’s Long Jump

Zileide Cassiano da Silva (first from left) on T20 Long jump posium at Paris 2024. Photo Credit: Bartłomiej Zborowski/NPC Poland

Brazil’s Zileide Cassiano da Silva dazzled in the T20 Long Jump, securing silver with a powerful leap that highlighted her immense talent. A trailblazer from an early age, Zileide’s transition to Paralympic sport only in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable. Zileide was diagnosed with intellectual disability at the age of six. She discovered the Paralympic sport with the encouragement of a coach from his city. She began to compete for the long jump in regional competitions in the interior of São Paulo. She continues to redefine limits, both for herself and for Brazilian athletics.

Matvei Iakushev (centre) and John Sebastian Obando Asprilla (right) at the medal ceremony for the T20 Long Jump at Paris 2024. Photo Credit: NPC Malaysia 

7. John Sebastian Obando Asprilla (COL) – Gold in Men’s T20 400m, Bronze in Men’s T20 Long Jump

Colombia’s towering para-athlete John Sebastian Obando Asprilla (6’7.5”) made his Paralympic debut unforgettable. After dominating in South America, he claimed a brilliant gold in the Men’s T20 400m and bronze in the Men’s T20 Long Jump in Paris. With a standout year that included podium finishes at the Kobe 2024 Championships, Asprilla became one of Colombia’s premier Paralympic stars, showcasing both his physical prowess and undeniable charisma on the world stage.

Last year, Jhon also won the gold in the II1 Long Jump and silver in the II1 400m, 2023 Virtus Global Games.

8. Matvei Iakushev (NPA) – Gold in T20 Men’s Long Jump

Matvei Iakushev stole the show with a sensational 7.51m jump on his last attempt, claiming gold and shocking the competition, toppling a two-time Malaysian champion and asserting his dominance in the event. His jaw-dropping performance in Paris was the pinnacle of his career, elevating him to a hero’s status in para-athletics.

These Paralympic newcomers exemplified what it means to not only compete but to triumph against the odds, making their countries proud and lighting the path for future champions. Paris 2024 was more than just a debut for these athletes—it was the beginning of legacies.

Thunderous Performances by Athletes with Intellectual Impairment at Paris 2024

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The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will be remembered for the incredible feats of 157 athletes from 43 countries who competed in Athletics, Swimming, and Table Tennis. For many, it was their first Paralympic Games, and they took full advantage of the opportunity to shine. These athletes, who are often overlooked, made history, broke world records and inspired millions around the globe.

New World and Paralympic Records

Athletics

Sabrina Forrune (L) and Ben Sandilands (R) at Paris 2024. Photo Credit Pralaympcs GB.

1. Sabrina Fortune (GBR): Sabrina broke the World Record in the F20 Women’s Shot Put with a massive throw of 15.12m, earning her a gold medal. She had also claimed gold at Kobe 2024 and silver at Rio 2016.

2. Ben Sandilands (GBR): In a breathtaking performance, Paralympics debutant Ben Sandilands from Great Britain shattered the World Record in the T20 Men’s 1500m with a time of 3:45.40.

Aysel Onder (L) and Oleksandr Yarovyi (R) celebrating their victory at Paris 2024. Photo Credit: TOSSFED and NPC Ukraine.

3. Aysel Onder (TUR): In the T20 Women’s 400m semifinals, Aysel broke the World Record with a time of 54.96s, securing her spot in the finals. Aysel claimed the silver in the finals, losing the gold by an inch to the Ukrainian, Yullia Shulliar.

4. Oleksandr Yarovyi (UKR): Oleksandr obliterated the F20 Men’s Shot Put World Record twice, finishing with a gold-medal-winning throw of 17.61m.

Swimming

Alexander Hillhouse (L) and Poppy Maskill (R) celebrating their win. Photo Credit: OIS photos and Paralympics GB

1. Alexander Hillhouse (DEN): Newbie Alexander broke the Paralympic record in the S14 Men’s 100m Freestyle with a time of 54.61 sec.

2. Poppy Maskill (GBR): Nineteen-year-old Poppy set a new World Record in the S14 Women’s 100m Butterfly, clocking an impressive 1:03.00. Poppy Maskill took five medals, three gold and two silver from her first Paralympic Games.

William Ellard, Benjamin Hance and Nicholas Bennett posing with their gold medals (L-R). Photo Credit: Paralympics GB, Swimming Australia and NPC Canada.

3. William Ellards (GBR): William broke the World Record in the S14 Men’s 200m Freestyle with a time of 1:51.30. He also won a gold in the 4x100m Mixed Freestyle relay and a silver in the S14 100m Butterfly. William was also competing in his first Paralympic Games at Paris 2024.

4. Benjamin Hance (AUS): Benjamin rewrote history in the pool, setting a new World Record in the S14 100m Backstroke with 56.52 sec. He also too silver in the S14 4x100m Mixed relay.

5. Nicholas Bennett (CAN): Nicholas set a new Paralympic Record in the SM14 200m Individual Medley, finishing at 2:06.05. Bennett also claimed Canada’s first Gold medal at Paris 2024 and added a second gold from the S14 Men’s 100m Breaststroke and silver from the S14 200m Freestyle.

Historical Achievements

 

Wada Natsuki (R) and Yovanni Philippe (L) flaunting their historical medals. Photo Credit: ITTF and WPA

1. Wada Natsuki (JPN): In a historic moment, Wada became the first Japanese woman to win a Paralympic gold medal in Para Table Tennis, competing in the Class 11 Singles at Paris 2024. She made history not just by winning her first Paralympic medal from her first Paralympic games, but by becoming a trailblazer for her country.

2. Yovanni Philippe (MRI): Yovanni made history for Mauritius, winning a bronze medal in the men’s 400m T20 event—marking the nation’s first-ever Paralympic medal podium finish. Yovanni too was making Paralympic Games debut at Paris 2024.

Deepthi Jeevanji (L) and Barabara (R) showing off their bronze and gold medals respectively. Photo Credit: NPC India and NPC Portugal.

3. Deepthi Jeevanji (IND): Deepthi, the silver medalist from the 2023 Virtus Global Games, became the first Indian athlete with an intellectual impairment to win a Paralympic medal. Her time of 55.82 seconds in the T20 Women’s 400m earned her a historic bronze medal.

4. Barbara Bieganowska-Zając (POL): Barbara becomes the first athlete with an intellectual impairment to win five Paralympic Gold medals from five Paralympic Games editions.

Lenine Cunha elected to join IPC Athlete’s Council

Lenine Cunha (second from left) with other newly elected members of The IPC Athletes Council during the Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Paris, France. Photo Credit: OIS/Lillie Yazdi.

Virtus Ambassador, Lenine Cunha, made headlines by becoming the first athlete with an intellectual impairment to be elected to the IPC Athletes’ Council. With 353 votes, Lenine ranked first among all candidates. Reflecting on his achievement, he said,

“The athletes’ voice embodies sports’ heart and soul… I aim to amplify the voices of athletes with intellectual impairments.“

These athletes have proven that athletes with intellectual impairments can compete at the highest levels and achieve extraordinary things. The #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign is more relevant than ever, as these performances underscore the need to celebrate and recognize the abilities of athletes who often go unnoticed.

Let’s continue sharing their stories, breaking down barriers, and fostering an inclusive world where athletes with intellectual impairments are visible, celebrated, and given the platform they deserve!

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Latif Romly Loses Gold To Matvei Iakushev In F20 Men’s Long Jump In Dramatic Finish

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The final event for athletes with an intellectual impairment at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the F20 Men’s Long Jump, wrapped up with a dramatic finish at Stade de France.

Early on, Saudi Arabia’s DAWSHI Hassan led the scoreboard, posing a strong challenge to two-time Paralympic champion and four-time world champion, Abdul Latif ROMLY. However, Latif showed his experience by bouncing back in his second jump, securing a season-best of 7.45m in his third attempt, taking the top spot.

But in a stunning twist, newcomer Matvei IAKUSHEV, competing under a neutral flag, stole the show with a sensational 7.51m jump on his last attempt, claiming gold and shocking the competition.

Apparently, Latif Romly suffered from an injury under his ribs last week during his training, which was affecting his training tonight.

“To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much tonight. The injury affected me a lot, but when I jumped 7.45m, I thought I had a chance. Matvei’s final jump caught me by surprise.”

Matvei, who had been in fourth place with 7.28m before his final leap, shared his excitement:

“I am absolutely happy because I never expected to jump that far. I don’t know how I did it. It was an absolute surprise to me.”

Colombia’s OBANDO ASPRILLA Jhon Sebastian rounded out the podium, securing bronze with a jump of 7.38m. This marks Jhon’s second medal at Paris 2024, following his gold in the T20 400m earlier in the week.

The F20 Men’s Long Jump ended on a high note, with Matvei Iakushev’s last-minute victory adding to the excitement of an unforgettable Paralympic Games.

Across all the events for athletes with an intellectual impairment, Great Britain topped the podium with a total of 14 medals ( seven gold, four silver and three bronze), Ukraine with four medals (two gold, one silver and one bronze) and Canada with three medals (two gold and one silver)

Lenine Cunha Elected To The IPC Athletes’ Council With Highest Votes

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Lenine Cunha has been elected to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council, receiving the highest number of votes from athletes in the Paralympic Village during Paris 2024.

“I am extremely happy and honoured to announce my election to the IPC Athletes’ Council,” Lenine shared.

“This is a moment of immense gratitude and pride. I want to sincerely thank everyone who believed in me, trusted my work, and supported me throughout this journey. I promise to continue dedicating myself fully, representing athletes with integrity, passion, and commitment, and always striving for the best for our community. Thank you all!”

Marc Truffaut, President of Virtus, praised Lenine’s election, stating: “Lenine’s dedication to athletes with intellectual impairments and his long-standing leadership in the Paralympic community makes him an exceptional representative on the IPC Athletes’ Council. His election is a clear reflection of the trust and respect he has earned from athletes worldwide. I am confident he will continue to be a powerful voice, ensuring the needs and aspirations of all Paralympic athletes are championed.“

Lenine Cunha receiving ‘Best Male Athlete 2022’ Award and in front of the GAitos at Paris 2024. Photo Credit: Virtus Sport

Lenine’s election is not only a personal milestone but a powerful demonstration of what he has always advocated for inclusion beyond the sporting arena. As he transitions towards retirement from competitive athletics, his journey highlights that there are many ways to remain involved in the Paralympic movement. Just as he visualised success as an athlete, through determination, hard work, and practice, he has now achieved this new goal. There was no difference in his approach— dream, visualise, work hard, and practice, practice, practice. It’s no surprise that Lenine was the most-voted candidate!

His campaign emphasised the importance of athlete representation at all levels of decision-making, strengthening support networks, and creating opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairments and from smaller nations. Lenine’s vision is to make the Paralympic movement even more accessible, foster leadership pathways, and ensure a sustainable and fair future for all athletes.

With over two decades of experience as an elite athlete, Lenine now extends his commitment to the IPC Athletes’ Council, where he will continue to champion athletes’ rights and amplify their voices on a global stage.

Read IPC’s announcement here.

Karolina Kucharczyk becomes three time Paralympic Champion, Maskill Wins Her Third Gold

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Karolina Kucharczyk, 33, successfully defended her Paralympic title in the F20 Long Jump at Paris 2024, winning her second consecutive gold medal. Leading from the start with 5.52m, she hit a season-best of 5.82m on her fourth attempt. However, despite her victory, Karolina wasn’t entirely satisfied with her performance.

“It’s my third Paralympic medal, but honestly, my worst jump. The event dragged on for two hours, and with about 15-minute breaks between every jump, I started to cool down.”

Karolina credited the lively Paris crowd for their support, contrasting it with her experience in Tokyo.

“The atmosphere was fantastic here compared to Tokyo, where the stands were empty. This time, the crowd was cheering for me, and I started to play into it.”

On a personal note, Karolina shared how her son has been her good luck charm. “Since my son was born, I’ve won everything and never lost.”

As for her upcoming marriage, she mentioned some lighthearted disagreements with her partner over keeping her surname.

“I’m asking my husband to take my name after we get married. I’m famous—I don’t want to change my surname,” she said candidly.

Balancing motherhood with her world-class athletic career, Karolina admits it’s tough. “Motherhood is hard. When you leave home, you’re thinking about winning, but it’s not easy to switch gears.”

In second place, Brazil’s Zileide Cassiano da Silva claimed her first Paralympic medal with a 5.76m jump, adding to her Kobe 2024 gold.

Turkey’s Fatma Damla Altın, who ranked seventh in Tokyo, secured the bronze with 5.73m. “I’m so happy, it’s an indescribable feeling,” said an elated Damla.

World Record for Benjamin and third Gold for Poppy Maskill

The final day of swimming for athletes with intellectual impairments at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Australia’s Benjamin Hance had a day to remember. He shattered the world record in the 100m backstroke during the morning qualifiers with a time of 56.52 seconds and later clinched the gold medal in the evening with 57.04 seconds.

Reflecting on his rollercoaster year, Ben shared,

“Worst year of my life, worst season of my life. I mean, I’m glad this season is over. I’m glad I’ve got the medal now and even a world record. My father died this season, and this was the worst thing. Thanking my father for everything he’s done. He always loved my backstroke, and I’m glad I’ve given him a gold medal tonight, for sure.”

This victory adds to Ben’s earlier success in Paris, where he secured a silver in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay.

Brazil’s Gabriel Bandeira put on an impressive performance, claiming the silver medal with a time of 58.54 seconds, setting a new American record. It marked his third medal in Paris, adding to his bronze in the 100m S14 butterfly and the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay. Reflecting on his journey, Bandeira said, “I stayed out of that final in Tokyo and almost stayed out here too, but I always think there’s a chance. Today I came lighter for the final—it was the last day, and I really let it hurt.”

Mark Tompsett of Great Britain took the bronze with a time of 59.21 seconds.

In the women’s 100m backstroke, Britain’s 19-year-old Poppy Maskill secured gold with a time of 1:05.74. This win brought her total medal count in Paris to five—three golds in the 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly, and 4x100m mixed freestyle relay, and silvers in the 200m freestyle and 200m medley.

Reflecting on her performance, Maskill said, “I was a little bit annoyed because it’s not a PB (personal best), but I’m still really, really happy because I won, and that’s the best you can do. I’m happy with the medal, obviously, that’s really cool and a great achievement. I am slightly disappointed in the time because I know I can do better.”

On being Great Britain’s most successful swimmer at the Games, Maskill shared her surprise: “It’s really cool. I wouldn’t have expected it to be me. I would’ve thought it would be Maisie Summers-Newton or Alice Tai.”

Maskill also talked about how swimming helps her find peace: “No matter what mood I am in, if I’m feeling sad or happy, I get in the water, and I feel calm and nice. It makes me feel better. Training is one of my favourite things.”

Russia’s neutral athlete Valeria Shabalina claimed silver in the women’s event with 1:06.68, adding to her four-medal haul in Paris, which includes two golds and a bronze. Olivia Newman-Baronius of Great Britain rounded off the podium with bronze, clocking 1:08.74.

Fourty three year old, Barbara Wins Her Fifth Paralympic Gold, WR for Ben and Benjamin

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Day nine of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games opened in spectacular fashion, with two world records and a fifth Paralympic gold for Poland’s Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac in the T20 1500m race. The day also saw stellar performances in the S14 100m backstroke events in swimming arena.

Barbara’s Historic Fifth Gold in the T20 1500m

Forty-three-year-old Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac clinched her fifth Paralympic gold in Paris, maintaining her dominance in the T20 1500m, a race she has now won in four consecutive Games. Known for her tactical brilliance, Barbara led early, followed by Liudmyla Danylina (UKR), Antonia Keyla Da Silva Barros (BRA), and Hanna Taunton (GBR). However, it was her trademark final-lap sprint that left her competitors trailing by a wide 50-meter margin, securing gold with a time of 4:26.06.

Barbara reflected on her approach to the race,

“When I’m running, I hear the competitors breathing. Those breathing hard don’t have the strength, but those who run as calm as I do still have reserves. I knew I was well-prepared.”

Despite falling just short of breaking her world record, Barbara remained optimistic, “It’s a pity I couldn’t break the record, but let’s never say no. I still have a game in Los Angeles, and I would love to go for my sixth Paralympic medal.”

The silver medal went to Ukraine’s Liudmyla Danylina, marking her second Paralympic silver, while Brazil’s Antonia Keyla Da Silva Barros captured bronze in her Paralympic debut.

Gold medallist Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac POL (centre) celebrates alongside silver medallist Liudmyla Danylina UKR and bronze medallist Antonia Keyla Da Silva Barros BRA following the Para Athletics Women’s 1500m – T20 at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Photo: OIS/Hassan Wamwayi.

Keyla’s First Paralympic Medal – “Worth More Than Gold”

For Keyla, her bronze medal marked a major milestone as the first Paralympic medalist from Piauí, Brazil. Overcoming injuries and limited preparation, she shattered her own American record with a time of 4:29.40.

“This medal is worth more than gold for me. The fight I had to put in just to be here—it doesn’t compare. I was considered crazy for wanting to run, but I wasn’t going to let my dream die.” Keyla shared, visibly emotional. 

Keyla also dedicated her victory to fellow Brazilian athlete Jessica Messala, offering words of encouragement,

“Her day will come, and it will be beautiful.”

Ben Sandilands Shatters World Record in T20 1500m

In the Men’s T20 1500m, Paralympics debutant Ben Sandilands of Great Britain stunned the field, breaking the world record with a time of 3:45.40 and defeating Rio 2016 champion Michael Brannigan (USA). Sandilands surged ahead in the final 200 meters, overpowering Brannigan and securing his first Paralympic gold.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I’ve done a lot of work. I have to say thank you to my family and friends and the National Lottery. I knew I had it in me from all my training. I’ll celebrate with my family and friends,” Sandilands said.

Ben celebrating WR in the T20 1500m event. Photo Credit: Paralympic GB

Although he missed the top spot on the podium by just milliseconds, Brannigan remained upbeat about the experience.

“I fought through hard for that medal, I was happy with how it went. I took it out strong from the start, and I knew Ben would quicken with 200 meters to go. He took off, and I tried to catch him. I fought really hard, fast, and full to the finish,” Brannigan reflected.

“The crowd here has been amazing, and having my family up in the stands cheering me on really meant a lot. It was a good performance, and I’m pleased with it.”

Medallist of Men’s T20 1500m. Photo Credit: Paralympics GB

Sandro Baessa of Portugal took silver, clocking in at 3:49.46, narrowly edging out Brannigan by milliseconds. Baessa moved to tears after the race, said,

“I’m very happy. I have prepared very well for these Games and I managed to finish by setting my personal best. I will continue working to keep improving my time.

“When I finished, I was given a Portugal flag. I’m not one to cry much, but today I couldn’t hold back the tears.

“I don’t have a lot of stamina like my rivals. The best I could do was to try to keep up with them. That’s what I tried to do. I know I have a good final sprint and even if I didn’t manage to surpass them all, I did manage to win a silver medal and I’m very happy with that.” 

WR in Swimming for Benjamin Hance

Benjamin Hance (AUS) also broke the World Record in the heats for S14 100m Backstroke with a time of 56.52sec, and will be diving into the finals this evening. His supporters will just have to wait and watch if he can shatter his own record in the finals.

Kim Gi Tae Claims His First Paralympic Gold While Chen Po Yen Earns TPE’s First Class 11 Medal

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The Class 11 Men’s final at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was nothing short of thrilling, as South Korea’s Kim Gi Tae and Chinese Taipei’s Chen Po Yen, first time Paralympian, delivered an unforgettable match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Chen Po Yen, the 2023 Global Games Champion, came out strong, dominating the first set 11-3 with sharp attacks and unbreakable defence. The next set, however, turned the tide and showcased the sheer grit and determination of both players. Kim Gi Tae described the experience as,

“Chen Po Yen is a really good player who kept receiving and countering all of my attacks without fazing. He was like a huge wall I was trying to break through. He kept returning all my smashes so well. I enjoyed it, but at some point, I wanted it to stop.”

Kim Gi Tae in smashing action (L) and celebrating his win (R) at the finals of Class 11 Singles. Photo Credit: ITTF

The set ended in an intense 15-13 victory for Kim, a testament to the level of focus and endurance both athletes displayed. From that moment on, the match only grew more intense, with both players engaging in long rallies filled with relentless smashes and rapid counters. Kim Gi Tae, however, managed to find his rhythm, overpowering Chen Po Yen in the final two sets, winning 11-7 and 11-9 to secure his first Paralympic gold medal.

Chen Po Yen, though falling short of the gold, gave an extraordinary performance that earned him a silver medal. Reflecting on the match, he expressed his mix of emotions,

I feel happy to have won my first Paralympic silver, but it’s a pity I didn’t get the gold. I’ll keep trying harder for the next time.”

Kim Gi Tae’s triumph wasn’t just about skill—it was about his mental strategy. “I had to relax and focus on getting one point at a time because the rallies were so long,” he shared after the match.

(L-R) Medallists of Class 11 singles – Chen Po Yen, Kim Gi Tae, Peter Palos and Sam Von Einem. Photo Credit: ITTF

His ability to maintain composure, combined with gruelling training sessions that included long hours of weight training, helped him push through the high-pressure rallies against such a formidable opponent.

As for Chen, his coach spoke of the young player’s potential, saying,

“He’s still young and has a long road ahead. There’s no rush; this silver is just the beginning for him.”

Both players took pride in their performances and in winning their respective medals as it was their first Paralympic medal.

“This medal is super important for me and because it is a gold medal and I feel like I’m on the clouds, I feel like I am flying. I want to dedicate this medal to my parents”, Kim Gi Tae told Virtus.

“This is the first medal for Chinese Taipei in Class 11 so I am happy”, said Po Yen.

The Class 11 Men’s final at Paris 2024 will be remembered as a battle of resilience and heart, with both Kim Gi Tae and Chen Po Yen proving that they are the future of Paralympic table tennis.

NEXT UP: 6th September

Athletics: T20 Men’s and Women’s 1500m and F20 Women’s Long Jump

Swimming: S14 Final and Men’s and Women’s 100m Backstroke

Newbie Natsuki Makes History as First Japanese Woman to Win Paralympic Gold in Table Tennis

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Paralympic debutant Wada Natsuki created history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by becoming the first Japanese woman to win a Paralympic gold medal in Para table tennis. Competing in the Class 11 Singles, Natsuki not only won her first Paralympic medal but also etched her name into history with a stunning performance.

The final match was a true showdown between youth and experience. Facing off against Elena Prokofeva, the 53-year-old reigning Tokyo 2020 champion, Natsuki had a tough start. Prokofeva’s experience shone through as she took the first set 11-8. However, instead of wilting under the pressure, Natsuki launched an aggressive counterattack. With fierce precision, she dominated the next three sets, winning 11-8, 11-4, and 11-4, securing her place at the top of the podium. Natsuki already had the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games and 2022 Asia Para Games, and now the Paralympic Gold too.

Happy tears for Wada Natsuki after winning her match. Photo Credit: ITTF

This momentous win marks not only Natsuki’s first Paralympic medal but also a remarkable achievement for an athlete who picked up the sport just four years ago.

“My biggest goal was to win gold, but my lowest goal was to win bronze. To be honest, I surprised myself. I wasn’t expecting it.” Natsuki admitted to Virtus. “

Her victory reflects a meteoric rise in a sport she once never dreamed of mastering, let alone dominating on the world’s biggest stage.

The gold medal carries deep significance for Natsuki, who credited her success to the unwavering support of her coach and family. “It means a lot to me. I’m very happy,” she said, reflecting on the journey that brought her to this triumphant moment. Despite initial nerves, Natsuki’s strategic brilliance and her ability to stay calm under pressure became her key to success.

“I was nervous at first, but I got better and better, and then calmed down,” Natsuki explained.

Class 11 medallists- Elena Prokofeva, Wada Natsuki, Acer Ebru and Kanami Furukawa (L-R). Photo Credit: ITTF

Her coach added that self-confidence was the foundation of her performance. “She believes in two things: ‘I can do it,’ and the importance of waiting for the right moment.”

That patience paid off as Natsuki executed a deliberate, tactical approach in the final, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike rather than launching into early attacks.

Looking back on her experience, Natsuki was grateful for every moment, saying, “I enjoyed every match. It was a mixture of struggle and enjoyment, but I enjoyed it mostly.” Her semi-final win gave her the confidence boost she needed to face the final challenge, although nerves remained a constant companion throughout.

For Prokofeva, the silver medalist, Natsuki’s rise was unexpected. “

The main problem for me was that I didn’t know this opponent; she is just 21. You cannot beat someone if you don’t know their game.” ” Prokofeva shared.

Despite the loss, Prokofeva remains determined to continue her career, with her sights set on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. “I don’t want to stop. My goal is to carry on.”

Natsuki’s historic win is not just a personal victory but a beacon of hope for others. Her rise from newcomer to champion is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and belief. She hopes her success will inspire others to chase their dreams with the same relentless spirit. “If they try hard, they can do it,” she declared, sending a powerful message to aspiring athletes everywhere.

Read more about Natsuki’s journey here.

As Wada Natsuki celebrates her incredible achievement, she stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished with dedication and heart. Her name will forever be etched in Paralympic history, a symbol of triumph and the promise of a bright future for Japan’s next generation of athletes.

Chen Po-Yen, Kim Gi Tae, Elena Prokofeva, and Wada Natsuki Advance to Class 11 Finals Showdown

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The top eight Class 11 athletes clashed in an intense semifinal at South Paris Arena 4, delivering thrilling table tennis battles.

In the Men’s category, 17-year-old 2023 Virtus Global Games champion, Chen Po-Yen (TPE), faced three-time Paralympic champion, Peter Palos (HUN), in a gripping bronze medal match. Po-Yen dominated from the start, winning the first set 11-4 and continued his relentless pace to win the next two sets 11-3 and 11-7, securing his spot in the gold medal match.

Men’s Class 11 Bronze Medallists, Peter Palos (L) and Sam Von Einem (JPN) in action at Paris 2024 Paralympic GamesPhoto Credit: ITTF

Reflecting on his defeat, Peter expressed a mix of pride and reality:

“Chen Po-Yen was faster and more skilled, and we couldn’t find the right tactics. Every shot he made was better. But I’m proud of my performance, especially after beating the French player 3-0 yesterday with the full stadium cheering against me. He’s got a great chance to win the gold. It’ll be tough to beat him in future competitions“

His coach added, “This was Peter’s maximum, maybe more than we expected. It was a tough match, but he did great. We are very happy with the Bronze medal”

On another table, Australia’s Sam Von Einem went head-to-head with Kim Gi Tae (KOR). While Sam showed form early on, Kim took control, winning the first set 11-5. Sam rallied back with an 11-8 win in the second set, but Kim’s powerful backhand helped him claim the next two sets 11-9 and 15-13, securing his place in the finals.

Women’s Class 11 Bronze Medallists, Acer Ebru (L) and Kanami Furukawa (JPN) in action at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Photo Credit: ITTF

In the Women’s category, Tokyo 2020 champion Elena Prokofeva (NPA) faced Japan’s Furukawa Kanami in a hard-fought match. Kanami took the first set 11-5, but Elena responded with an 11-9 victory. The match see-sawed until Elena’s experience helped her win the final two sets 11-7 and 11-6.

“It was a very difficult match for me. Elena knew my style and controlled the game. I wanted gold, but my family just wanted to see me on the podium, so I’m happy to have won bronze for them and Japan. I’ll come back stronger next time.” Kanami told Virtus Sport.

On another table, Turkey’s Acer Ebru faced Japan’s Wada Natsuki in a dramatic semi-final. The match was a fierce back-and-forth, with Acer winning the first and third sets, while Natsuki claimed the second and fourth. In a tense decider, Natsuki triumphed 11-7.

“I knew Acer was strong, so I was prepared. My coach kept telling me to stay calm and play my game, and that’s what I did,” Natsuki said after the win. 

Disappointed with her performance, Acer told Virtus, “I’m very sad. I wanted the gold so badly, but I will come back stronger.”

Wada Natsuki will face Elena Prokofeva in the Women’s Gold medal match, while in the Men’s final, Kim Gi Tae will take on Chen Po-Yen for the top spot.

 

Paralympic Record For Nicholas, Second Gold for Shabalina and Men’s Class 11 Semi-Finalists Revealed

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The 200m medley SM14 was reserved for athletes with intellectual impairment on Wednesday night, the 4th. Of the 16 athletes who qualified for the final, both men and women, Great Britain had 6 athletes.

The event combines the four swimming styles: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and crawl, in that order.

Among the men, the gold medal went to Canadian Nicholas Bennett with a time of 02:06:05. He set a new Paralympic record, which was held by British swimmer Reece Dunn (02:08.02sec), but it was not enough to break his own world record (02:05:97sec).

This was the swimmer’s third medal in this edition of the Games. He had already won silver in the 200m freestyle and gold in the 100m breaststroke, a historic medal for Canada.

The fight for the silver medal was fierce, but British athlete Rhys Darbey, 17, came out on top with a time of 02:08:61sec, and Australian Ricky Betar took the bronze medal (02:08:69sec, a new Oceania record).

When asked if Rhys was satisfied with his performance, he candidly replied, “No, not really. I would want more, probably even a second. Turns out I came third; Rhys is the better man, and he out-touched me, so I can’t complain. It comes down to my training. Props to everyone else who came above me.”

Despite this, he acknowledged his achievement of setting an Oceania record, saying, “Yes, I’m pretty happy with that. I’m sure that comes along with the Australian record as well, so I can’t complain. Three big major achievements.”

Reflecting on his overall experience at the Games, he praised his coach, Harley, stating, “It’s been wonderful. Harley’s done such an amazing job. We’ve worked on IM for the last couple of months for trials. We’ve just agreed to solely focus on IM, and clearly, it’s shown—from our trials to now, it’s like a 4-second PB, so pretty good.”

(L-R) Rhys Darbey, Nicholas Bennett and Ricky Betar sharing the podium for the SM14 100m Individual Medley. Photo Credit: Paralympics GB

Among the women, Valeriia Shabalina, a Russian athlete competing under a neutral flag, was the big winner in the event with a time of 02:22:40sec.

(L-R) Poppy Maskill, Valerina Shabalina and Aira Kinoshita posing on the podium of the SM14 Individual Medley. Photo Credit: Paralympics GB

British athlete Poppy Maskill won her fourth medal at the Paris Games. She finished the event in 02:23:93 and took the silver medal.

In the French capital, she had already won the gold medal in the 4x100m freestyle mixed S14 relay, gold in the 100m butterfly and silver in the 200m freestyle.

Poppy was pleasantly surprised by her success at the Paralympics, winning four medals so far. When asked if she expected to win so many, she replied, “No, I just thought I’d be happy to get into the finals. It’s my first one, so I was just seeing what happens.”

Reflecting on her recent race, Poppy admitted the breaststroke was tough but pushed through, saying, “I just tried not to die too much.”

Despite winning multiple medals, she confessed, “I’m still nervous as each one is different each time.”

Her favourite medal? “I think either my 100 fly because that was my first world record, my first gold, and my first Paralympic medal. And the team one because that’s like a team medal.”

 The bronze medal went to Japanese swimmer Aira Kinoshita, 18 years old. This was the swimmer’s first medal at the Paralympic Games, as she made her debut in the French capital. She finished the race in 02:25:96sec.

“I’m very happy! After watching the Tokyo Games, I decided to dedicate myself to swimming and trained very hard to be here and get this medal,” Kinoshita told Virtus.

Peter Palos, Kim Gi-Tae, Sam Von Einem and Chen-Po Yen Into the Semifinals in Class 11

Class 11 Men’s Semi-Finalist at Paris 2024. Photo credit: Virtus Sport and ITTF

The atmosphere at Paris South Arena Sud reached a fever pitch as French favourite Lucas Creange stepped into the stadium, sending the crowd into a frenzy and piling the pressure on his opponent, three-time champion Peter Palos. The intense energy not only affected Palos but also seemed to rattle the other competitors.

Both Creange and Palos came out swinging, launching powerful smashes at each other in a fiercely aggressive match. Despite the home crowd’s overwhelming support for Creange, Palos kept his cool and edged out the first game with a narrow 12-10 victory.

The relentless cheers for Creange only fueled Palos more.

“I knew the crowd would be crazy and against me because I was playing Lucas, and I was prepared for it. Lucas and I have played each other many times before, so he couldn’t throw any surprises at me.” Palos remarked.

With his focus unwavering, Palos maintained his attacking style, winning the next two games 11-8 and 11-6, ultimately securing his place in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, on another table, old rivals Sam Von Einem from Australia and Takashi Takemori from Japan faced off in a tense showdown. Despite battling nerves, two-time silver medalist Sam emerged victorious, defeating Takemori 3-0 with scores of 11-8, 12-10, and 12-10.

“I was probably more stressed than nervous, to be honest, throughout all the sets, but it started disappearing towards the end,” Sam admitted.

Reflecting on the electric atmosphere, Sam shared,

“We all kind of knew it was going to be noisy with Lucas playing on the next table and the stadium full of French supporters. I just went into my zone and focused on my match. I always prefer to play in front of big crowds, so the atmosphere was great for me.”

As Sam heads into the semi-finals against Kim Gi Tae, he is ready to refine his game plan.

“Having played against Kim Gi before, I know his style, and I’ll be preparing my tactics accordingly tonight for tomorrow’s match,” Sam said, looking ahead to the challenge.

The biggest win came for Chen Po-Yen (TPE) over Belgium’s Florian Von Acker by 3-1.

The seventeen-year-old Chen Po-Yen, who secured his place for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games after emerging as a victor at the 2023 Virtus Global Games Champion, dominated over the Rio 2016 champion from the beginning and won the first two sets by 11-9, 11-7. Florian made a comeback winning the third set by 12-10, but couldn’t shake the Paralympic debutant who won the fourth set by 11-7 and qualified for the semi-finals.

“I am feeling very happy. I have played with Florian twice before and have lost both times so I was a bit nervous but after winning the first match I was ok. I studied his game this time before the match and prepared myself for the match” 

Kim Gi Tae (KOR) took on Thiago Gomes (BRA) for the semi-final qualifying match. The Granada 2022 champion didn’t show mercy on the Brazilian and took him down with a score of 3-1 (11-9.11-9,11-9,11-9).

“I was very nervous and couldn’t play up to my expectations. The crowd cheering for the other player (Lucas) made me very nervous. I couldn’t focus on my game from time to time. But I am happy that I made it to the semi-finals”

NEXT UP: Semi-finals and Finals for Class 11 Men’s and Women’s match